Maddison

Meaning & origin

Maddison first entered the baby name records in 1985, a year after the film 'Splash' introduced the spelling Madison to a wide audience. The name's popularity soared in the 2000s, reaching its peak rank in 2009, when it was among the top choices for baby girls. Since 2010, however, the name has been on a gradual decline, reflecting a broader shift away from once-trendy names. In 2025, Maddison sits at rank 438, with a frequency of 1 in 2,286 births. The name has shown particular regional popularity in Arkansas, Nevada, and Texas. While the original surname meaning is 'son of Maud,' the name has long since shifted to nearly exclusively feminine use in the United States. As a variant of Madison, Maddison retains a familiar sound while offering a slightly distinct spelling that some parents prefer for its symmetry.

Maddison is a transferred use of the English surname meaning "son of Maud." Maud itself is a medieval feminine form of Matilda, derived from the Germanic elements 'maht' (might, strength) and 'hild' (battle). The surname emerged in northern England, and the given name gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly following the 1984 film 'Splash,' which featured a character named Madison. The spelling with a double 'd' is a modern variant that has become well-established.